Getting Started with BBM on Android and iPhone

Do you own an Android or iPhone smartphone? If so, you can download BBM and connect with friends and family around the world for free! To help you get started, here are a few things you’ll want to know.

Step 1 – Make sure BBM supports your device

In addition to BlackBerry smartphones, BBM™ is currently available on iPhone and Android devices.

For iPhone, BBM supports iOS v6 and iOS v7 or later.

For Android, BBM supports smartphones running Android v4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and later and with a screen size of 7” or less.

Step 2 – How to download BBM on Android or iPhone

Visit www.BBM.com from your iPhone or Android smartphone browser. This will take you to the official BBM app in the App Store or Google Play.

This is the best way to ensure you get the real BBM for Android or iPhone

Step 3 – Sign into BBM using a BlackBerry ID

In order to use BBM, you’ll need a BBID (BlackBerry ID). Simply put, a BBID is an account that serves as your login to BBM on Android and iPhone.. What’s really convenient is that your BBM contact list and other BBM details are linked to your BBID. With your contact list linked to your BBID, you no longer have to manually backup and restore your BBM contact list when you switch devices.

If you don’t have a BBID, you’ll be able to create one after installing BBM on your device, or you can create one online by browsing to bbid.com. After creating your BBID, all that’s left to do is sign in to BBM and you’ll be able to start chatting with friends and family.

In the event you already have a BBID but forget the password, visit the BlackBerry ID website for assistance with resetting your password.

Finally, for those that used BBM on a BlackBerry smartphone in the past, you may be able to restore your contacts provided your BBID was associated with a BlackBerry smartphone running BBM 7.0 or later. If this applies to you, when you log in to BBM using that BBID, you will be prompted to restore your contacts.

Step 4 – BBM tips!

At this point, BBM should be installed on your Android or iPhone, and you’ve successfully signed in using a BlackBerry ID. To help you get the most out of BBM, here are a few things you’ll want to know!

What is a BBM PIN and how can I find mine?

A PIN is a unique identifier used in BBM that is automatically generated when you log in to BBM for the first time. If you want to invite someone to be a BBM contact, give them your PIN, or ask for theirs. It’s a neat way to connect with people without having to give them personal information like your email address or phone number. You can also add a new contact on BBM by showing them your PIN Barcode (this looks like a QR code), rather than having to type out the PIN number. After your friend scans your PIN Barcode, you’ll be added to each other’s contact lists. Again, no personal information is exchanged, just your unique PINs.

To find your BBM PIN, tap your BBM picture or name followed by Show Barcode along the bottom toolbar.

How do I change my BBM name, status or picture?

After signing in to BBM, tap your picture or name along the top banner and do any of the following:

To change your BBM display name, tap your current display name.

To change your BBM picture (avatar), tap your current picture followed by tapping Replace Picture and select a new picture or animated GIF to use as your BBM picture.

In the ‘What’s on your mind?’ field, type a status.

To show an icon beside your name, or to show a custom status that you saved, tap Status and select a desired status

How can I invite my friends to join BBM?

You can add contacts to BBM by scanning a BBM barcode, typing a BBM PIN, or by selecting a contact on your device and sending them an invite via email or text.

During a chat, the next to a message indicates that your message has been sent. After the message is delivered to your contact’s phone the check mark changes to . For example, if you message someone and their device isn’t turned on, your messages will show a check mark until your contact turns on their device again. When your contact reads the message, appears next to the message.

Some additional status icons include:

Unread message in a chat

Ping message

File has been sent or received

Unread broadcast message

A contact has set their status to busy

Draft message

Message hasn’t been sent yet (Tip: Verify your device is connected to the Internet)

Message couldn’t be sent (Tip: Touch and hold the message, and tap to resend it)

How do I back up my BBM contacts?

When you sign in to BBM on Android or iPhone using a BlackBerry ID, your contacts will be backed up automatically. If you log into a different device using the same BlackBerry ID, you’ll be prompted to restore your contact list.

Can I use BBM on multiple devices at the same time?

BBM supports one device at a time, so avoid installing BBM onto other devices and signing in using the same BBID. If you would like to use BBM on multiple devices, consider creating an additional BlackBerry ID with a separate email address.

Step 5 – Spread the word and get assistance

After getting BBM set up on your device, make sure you check out the invite tools we’ve provided at http://BBM.com/share, or simply share the link http://BBM.com and encourage your friends to install BBM.

In the event you have a question about BBM for Android or iPhone, pop by the BlackBerry Support Community Forums or send a tweet to @BlackBerryHelp.

You can also visit our online support pages. Just select the appropriate link below based on which device you are using.

The views expressed on any corporate or individual's personal website or any Twitter account are not necessarily those of BlackBerry. The user's Twitter account and/or personal website, any corporate website, or any comments contained on any of the foregoing have not been reviewed by BlackBerry and do not constitute an endorsement by BlackBerry.